Heathcote Confident of Fourth Group 1 for Buffering in Doomben 10,000

Unable to break his hoodoo in Queensland Group 1 races in the featured BTC Cup (1200m) at Doomben two weeks ago, trainer Robert Heathcote is confident of success for local hero Buffering in this weekend’s Group 1 Doomben 10,000 (1350m) after the six-year-old drew well at Wednesday’s barrier draw.

Trainer Robert Heathcote is confident of success for Buffering in the 2014 Doomben 10,000. Photo: Daniel Costello

Allocated the favourable barrier 8 for Saturday’s sole Group 1 event, Heathcote told AAP Buffering will have to overcome a recent issue of slow starts if to end his notable drought once and for all in the Doomben 10,000.

“One of the owners rang me this morning and said he was praying for barrier 1. I said ‘we don’t want anywhere near there’ and barrier six to nine would be perfect” Heathcote said.

“He hasn’t been pinging out of the boxes and was sluggish at the start in the BTC Cup. If he does that again being drawn on the inside would be a disaster in a field of this size” he added of the confirmed list of 11.

While noted early-pacer Hot Snitzel will leave from the wider barrier 9, Heathcote said Buffering will work well with likely leader Driefontein allocated the inner barrier 3.

“The 1350-metre start at Doomben has a nice long run to the first turn and the obvious leader in Driefontein is drawn inside him” Heathcote added.

“Hopefully he will be able to slide over and sit on the leader.”

The standout performer over the 2013 Spring Racing Carnival, Buffering was unlucky to finish second in the Group 1 Moir Stakes (1200m) first-up before completing an incredible run of three straight Group 1 victories in claiming the Manikato Stakes (1200m), VRC Sprint Classic (1200m) and Winterbottom Stakes (1200m).

Unable to secure a race win over three starts this time in, the Mossman gelding has been confirmed to be partnered by regular jockey Damien Browne and is currently outright favourite to claim the 2014 Doomben 10,000 crown at $3.90 odds, ahead of Rebel Dane ($4.40), Spirit Of Boom ($4.50) and Famous Seamus ($7.50).

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